"One day it occurred to me that it had been many years since the world had been afforded the spectacle of a man adventurous enough to undertake a journey through Germany on foot. After much thought, I decided that I was a person fitted to furnish to mankind this spectacle. So I determined to do it. This was in March, 1878." Mark Twain, A Tramp Abroad

28.9.09

The Venice of Germany

As promised, here are some photos of our new home away from home. Before arriving we knew very little about the town. But whenever we told people in Marburg that we were moving here their response was always, "Oooh! Heidelberg is so beautiful!" In fact, one German acquaintance told us Heidelberg was "the Venice of Germany." (Seriously?!) So, needless to say, our expectations were quite high.

So far Heidelberg has lived up to its reputation. In fact, we have become quite enamored by the town and can't seem to get enough of it. We took our camera with us yesterday and captured some of our favorite spots.

But first, here is our new home. Our apartment is located in the middle of the new university campus. Our place is small, but it is new, clean and has everything we need. There is even a bakery and cafe conveniently located right below us.

Outside our door. Penelope waiting ever so patiently for her parents.

The University Botanical Gardens are located just behind us.

A short walk down a main street leads us right to the Neckar River. The open grassy area that runs along the river bank was filled with people taking full advantage of the nice weather on this Sunday afternoon.

We ran into several people sunbathing on the grass, including a few old men in speedos and some topless middle-age women. That might take some getting used to.

The Neckar River and part of the old town (Altstadt) in the background.

Making our way to the old town along the footpath that runs by the river. The old bridge (Alte Brucke), city gate (Bruckentor) and castle (Schloss) are in the background.

Close up of the old bridge, castle and old town.

The bridge with the castle in the background.

The father and little one on the old bridge. Behind, on the other side of the trees in the distance, is where we live.

The old gate.

The town hall (Rathaus) situated in the Marktplatz, which is covered with outdoor cafe tables.

Another view of the busy Marktplatz and the Gothic Heiligeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit) on the right. A great place to have a drink and people-watch.

Walking back home along the Neckar.

As you can see Heidelberg is a great place to be. We're excited to see what the year has in store for us here.

"The gentle reader will never, never know what a consummate ass he can become until he goes abroad. I speak now, of course, in the supposition that the gentle reader has not been abroad, and therefore is not already a consummate ass. If the case be otherwise, I beg his pardon and extend to him the cordial hand of fellowship and call him brother." Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad